Encompassing external fixation device with incorporated pemf coil

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-09-18
AMEI TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]In one such embodiment, the arch shape of the top element would generally align with the arch of the bottom element's U-shape, and the linking elements would angle up from near the front of the bottom element, angling up and back, and would rigidly attach to the front of the top element. Alternatively, the top and bottom elements of the frame could be oriented in opposite directions, such that the open portions of each element would face each other (although in different, parallel planes), and the linking elements could project upward and forward from the back of the bottom element. Regardless, a continuous loop of PEMF coil would be integrated within the frame to encompass the injured region of the foot, t

Problems solved by technology

Thus, when a conventional fixation device rotates a bone, it introduces unwanted compressive st

Method used

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  • Encompassing external fixation device with incorporated pemf coil
  • Encompassing external fixation device with incorporated pemf coil
  • Encompassing external fixation device with incorporated pemf coil

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Embodiment Construction

[0023]FIG. 1 demonstrates a disclosed embodiment having a single ring that serves as the fixation frame 30. The ring of the fixation frame 30 encircles the injured region 21 of a bone 20, encompassing the entire target area. While the fixation frame 30 may be made of any suitable material that is sufficiently strong and lightweight, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 the fixation frame 30 may be comprised of molded carbon-fiber impregnated resin. Of course, the fixation frame may be comprised of other moldable materials or even non-moldable materials. In addition to providing durable, lightweight stability and support, such a frame 30 would also have radiolucent properties, making further treatment and diagnosis simpler. In addition, using a radiolucent material for the frame 30 ensures that the frame 30 will not block or interfere with PEMF waves. It should be noted that while the ring fixation frame 30 shown in FIG. 1 is circular in shape, there are several possible geometries that would...

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Abstract

The disclosed embodiments reveal an external fixation frame that encompasses an injured body part, having an integrated PEMF coil. The frame supports and stabilizes the injured body part, while the coil generates a PEMF signal that encompasses the injured body part. Working together, these elements speed the healing process for bone fractures and soft tissue injuries. Variants may be designed to specifically treat particular body parts. By way of example, one disclosed embodiment employs geometry that encompasses the foot, focusing the PEMF field on the rear and mid-foot regions to aid in treatment of Charcot Foot.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 894,956, filed on Mar. 15, 2007, entitled “ENCOMPASSING EXTERNAL FIXATION DEVICE WITH INCORPORATED PEMF COIL,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The disclosed embodiments relate generally to medical devices and more specifically to medical devices for the treatment of bone and soft tissue injuries.[0004]2. Background of the Invention[0005]Bone fractures and soft tissue injuries often are slow to heal, requiring a long-term treatment plan designed to aid the body's natural healing process. A conventional treatment plan might call for immobilization of the injured body part, allowing healing to take place without the wear and tear of normal use. Immobilization can also be quite important since the injured body part may need to be held in the proper position to ensure that healing correctly takes plac...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A61B17/62
CPCA61B17/62A61N2/02A61N2/004
Inventor VASTA, PAUL J.PERCOCO, LOUISBRONSON, DWIGHT G.WIGGINTON, ROBERT E.
Owner AMEI TECH
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